JRS in Zambia

Refugees in Zambia

Refugee Problems

Meheba

Nangweshi

Northern

Peace Centre

Policy

Mwange Camp

Houses

The Chapel

Children

Northern Zambia

Influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Northern and Luapula Provinces of Zambia began in March 1999, people fleeing the fighting between the government and rebel forces. Mwange Refugee Camp (Northern Province) was established in June 1999 to accommodate the initial influx. Its population is currently 25,000. The influx of refugees into these provinces continued in 2000 due to the ongoing conflict. Kala Refugee Camp (Luapula Province) began to settle refugees in October 2000 as Mwange reached its capacity. The current population of Kala is now 25,000. As Kala also reached its capacity and refugees continue to flow, a new site has been granted by the Zambian Government for a third camp in the region.

There is widely expressed doubt regarding the peace initiatives in DRC with few expressing a will for repatriation in the immediate future. Many express fear about the risk of being forcibly repatriated before safe conditions are established in their country. Meantime, house construction in brick is happening all over Mwange and Kala camps.

Refugees are also present in the Zambian villages along the border areas. Reports indicate some are crossing back and forward to cultivate and harvest crops, trade etc. Flow of new arrivals has slowed somewhat but continues to be steady. Situation at entry points remains problematic, mainly due to delays in transportation with refugees remaining in transit centres with little or no services provided to them.

Interactions between the host population and the refugees are calm at present; however there have been tensions in the past as a result of refugees being accused of stealing local food and perceptions of better services available to refugees. This situation could occur again.

JRS Programme in Support of the Local Church

The Archdiocese of Kasama (Northern Province) is responding to the situation of the refugees in Mwange Camp and at the entry points of Mpulungu and Kaputa by working pastorally with the people and provinding some assistance. In the Diocese of Mansa (Luapula Province) some parishes are responding to the situation but the shortage of personnel has limited their capability. At this point in time the refugees are requesting a pastoral presence, which the local church is attempting to respond to. Both the Archdiocese and the Diocese have invited JRS to facilitate and support these initiatives as they are hampered by a lack of resources both in terms of material and personnel.

On the other hand, the churches are in capacity of effectively promoting better understanding between the local population and the refugees. The churches can better open dialogue and find ways of understanding. The Catholic is the biggest church by far both in the refugee camps and among the Zambian population in Northern and Luapula provinces.

The programme, just started in February 2002, includes support to Catholic chaplaincies in refugee camps and to pastoral workers at entry points, and training for Church and other local agents in refugee matters.